Victory Liner bus units suspended over La Union crash

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-six units of the Victory Liner bus firm have been suspended for 30 days following a road accident in La Union that left three persons dead.

The bus units operate from Cubao to Baguio City via Dau, Tarlac and Urdaneta.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairperson Teofilo Guadiz said the accident may have been unintended, but could have been avoided if the bus had undergone roadworthiness inspections.

“This should be a lesson learned for all public utility vehicles. The mindset of bus operators, drivers and conductors should always be about road safety whenever they go out and serve the commuting public, otherwise they have no business operating in the public transportation sector,” Guadiz said in a statement.

The accident occurred along the Aspiras Highway on Jan. 3 after the tires of the bus exploded.

The conductor and two passengers died.

Traffic enforcement agencies were ordered to impound the bus units if these are found to be operating while under suspension.

The LTFRB also directed Victory Liner to explain why its certificate of public convenience should not be suspended, canceled or revoked.

A hearing has been set on Jan. 24.

The bus company was ordered to secure a roadworthiness certificate from the Land Transportation Office, conduct regular preventive maintenance service of its bus units and submit proof that financial assistance and insurance benefits were provided to the families of the victims.